The New York Mets are in the midst of retooling their roster with an eye on both the short- and long-term future.
After their disappointing 2023 season, it’s clear that pitching—both in terms of reliability and overall depth—remains a key focus for the team. While Roki Sasaki, the sensational young Japanese pitcher, was once a potential target for the Mets, he now appears to be off the table for the foreseeable future. With Sasaki out of the equation, the Mets will need to explore other avenues to bolster their rotation and solidify their pitching staff for the 2024 season and beyond. Below are three pitchers the Mets could target in their pursuit of starting pitching help.
1. Blake Snell (Free Agent)
Blake Snell represents one of the premier starting pitchers available in free agency.
Coming off a stellar 2023 season with the San Diego Padres, Snell earned the National League Cy Young Award after posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 234 strikeouts over 180.1 innings.
His command and ability to miss bats were at an elite level last year, cementing his status as one of the top pitchers on the market.
For the Mets, Snell offers both immediate and long-term potential. With the uncertainty surrounding Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer’s ages and the underperformance of other pitchers in the Mets’ rotation, Snell could offer the team the kind of consistent top-of-the-rotation production they need. His high strikeout rate (11.7 K/9 in 2023) and strong ERA would complement the Mets’ current pitching staff, which already includes established names like Verlander, Scherzer, and Kodai Senga.
Additionally, Snell’s left-handed arm would be a welcome addition to a rotation that currently lacks a southpaw ace. His ability to dominate both left-handed and right-handed batters would provide the Mets with flexibility and the opportunity to build a more well-rounded rotation.
Snell is known for his dynamic fastball and devastating slider, both of which could play well in Citi Field, a park that benefits pitchers more than most other MLB ballparks.
While Snell’s track record of inconsistency at times could be a concern, his 2023 performance shows that he is capable of putting it all together for an entire season. If the Mets were to target Snell, they would likely be making a significant financial commitment, but it could pay off with a legitimate ace to pair with Senga at the top of their rotation.
Marcus Stroman (Free Agent)
Marcus Stroman is a familiar name for Mets fans, as he spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the team before opting out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 concerns.
Since leaving New York, Stroman has enjoyed continued success with the Chicago Cubs.
In 2023, Stroman posted a 3.07 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, solidifying his status as one of the more reliable mid-rotation starters in Major League Baseball.
Stroman’s fit with the Mets would largely depend on the team’s need for a durable, reliable innings-eater. While Stroman may not have the same high-end ceiling as a player like Snell, he is consistently good and has the ability to keep opposing teams off-balance with his strong groundball rates and pinpoint control. Stroman has proven he can perform well in New York and would likely be comfortable returning to a market where he’s already made a name for himself.
A big selling point for the Mets in pursuing Stroman is his ability to thrive in different environments. Whether he’s pitching in a large market like Chicago or in the pressure cooker of New York, Stroman has shown he can handle big moments. Moreover, his groundball-heavy approach would likely translate well to Citi Field, where the spacious outfield can turn fly balls into easy outs.
In terms of contract, Stroman will likely command a deal that is shorter in length, but with significant annual value. If the Mets are looking to avoid a long-term commitment while still adding a reliable arm, Stroman could be an ideal target.
His consistency and strong makeup would offer a level of stability to a Mets rotation that has had its share of question marks in recent seasons.
3. Lucas Giolito (Trade Target)
Lucas Giolito may not be a free agent, but he represents an intriguing trade target for the Mets if they’re looking to add a high-upside starter with a few years of team control remaining.
Giolito, who was dealt from the Chicago White Sox to the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, has shown flashes of dominance during his career, including an All-Star appearance in 2019.
While his 2023 season was disappointing overall, he has the potential to bounce back with the right coaching and a change of scenery.
Giolito is a fascinating trade target for a few reasons.
First, he’s a relatively affordable option in comparison to some of the high-priced free agents, which could make him an attractive option for a Mets team with a top-heavy payroll.
Second, he’s still only 29 years old, meaning he could offer multiple seasons of solid production at the front of a rotation, even if he’s not quite the ace that other top-tier free agents may be.
Giolito’s stuff has always been elite—he boasts a high-90s fastball and a devastating slider that can dominate opposing hitters when he’s on. However, his inconsistency, particularly in 2023, could make him available at a relatively reasonable price in a trade.
The Mets could target Giolito as a reclamation project, hoping that pitching coach Jeremy Hefner can help him rediscover his best form.
What’s more, Giolito has a proven ability to handle pressure, as evidenced by his performances in Chicago, a market that often places intense scrutiny on its players. A change of scenery could do wonders for him, and if the Mets are willing to trade some of their depth pieces or prospects to secure him, Giolito could be a steal if he returns to his previous form.
The Mets would likely have to offer a solid package of prospects or major league-ready players to acquire Giolito, but his potential upside makes him a worthy investment.
Conclusion
With Roki Sasaki off the table, the Mets will need to look elsewhere to bolster their rotation. Blake Snell, Marcus Stroman, and Lucas Giolito represent three intriguing options, each with their unique strengths and potential fit for the team.
Snell could offer elite production and a southpaw presence at the top of the rotation, while Stroman provides consistency and reliability in a mid-rotation role.
Meanwhile, Giolito offers high upside, though he comes with some risk given his inconsistency in 2023.
Ultimately, the Mets’ decision will come down to their willingness to invest in a long-term solution like Snell, or whether they prefer a more affordable and flexible option like Stroman or Giolito.
Regardless of who they target, upgrading the pitching staff will be crucial if the Mets hope to return to playoff contention in the near future.
